Recent progresses in gut microbiome mediates obstructive sleep apnea-induced cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multifactorial sleep disorder with a high prevalence in the general population. OSA is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly hypertension, and is linked to worse outcomes. Although the correlation between OSA and CVDs is firmly established, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Continuous positive airway pressure is primary treatment for OSA reducing cardiovascular risk effectively, while is limited by inadequate compliance. Moreover, alternative treatments for cardiovascular complications in OSA are currently not available. Recently, there has been considerable attention on the significant correlation between gut microbiome and pathophysiological changes in OSA. Furthermore, gut microbiome has a significant impact on the cardiovascular complications that arise from OSA. Nevertheless, a detailed understanding of this association is lacking. This review examines recent advancements to clarify the link between the gut microbiome, OSA, and OSA-related CVDs, with a specific focus on hypertension, and also explores potential health advantages of adjuvant therapy that targets the gut microbiome in OSA.